Non-lethal defensive fluid composition and pressurized delivery system

ABSTRACT

A lubric gel composition for personal defense includes a fatty acid at a concentration ranging from 5 wt % to 10 wt % of the composition, a thickening agent at a concentration ranging from 1.75 wt % to 8.75 wt % of the composition, a detergent at a concentration ranging from 1.03 wt % to 4.07 wt % of the composition, a surfactant at a concentration ranging from 2 wt % to 15 wt % of the composition, and water at a concentration ranging from 66 wt % to 90.21 wt % of the composition.

TECHNICAL FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a defensive fluid and pressurized deliverysystem for use by individuals, in classrooms, for crowd control, incommercial environments, and for firefighting. Specifically thisinvention relates to a defensive fluid chemical composition having highlubricity and a gel-like consistency. In one embodiment, the product isformulated to temporarily impair vision, but not to cause pain orstinging to the eyes. In an alternative embodiment, the product isformulated to temporarily impair vision, and to cause temporary stingingto the eyes. Each will have utility in different situations.

In recent years, safety and security has become a top priority for thepublic in light of tragic events such as mass shootings, home invasions,and rioting. Numerous proposals of how the public can be protected andprotect themselves have been discussed on a national and internationalscale. Many of the solutions to date, such as weapons and pepper spray,are not viable for various reasons.

One solution is for individuals to carry guns for protection. However,guns are not always accessible to the general public. Additionally, gunsare often subject to bans in many locations such as schools, privatebusinesses, and public spaces. Another problem is the training andexperience required for the safe use and care of guns.

Pepper spray, chemical Mace®, tear gas, and other types of lachrymatoragents are frequently used in crowd control and carried as personalprotection. The basic idea is that the composition causes extremeirritation and/or inflammation to the target's eyes such that anassailant is disabled. While these methods have had success, many statesand schools consider these personal defense sprays to be weapons andhave added heavy regulation or outright banned the sale. Schools havegenerally banned students from carrying these types of sprays. Even insituations where these spray products are permissible, the use of thesesprays which inflame or irritate the eyes of an assailant are onlyeffective in close proximity to the assailant where the nose, mouth oreyes can be targeted. This greatly reduces the time for a targetedindividual to escape.

There is a need for a product and pressurized delivery system that canbe used as a personal defense spray and preemptively delay or disable anassailant, increasing the time for a targeted individual to escape.

There is also a need for a product and pressurized delivery system thathas specific eye-irritating characteristics that dissipate without longterm damage to the eyes.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is therefore an aspect of the present invention to provide adefensive fluid composition that disables or delays an assailant and canbe applied pre-emptively to a surface.

It is another aspect of the invention to provide a defensive fluidcomposition which increases the lubricity of a surface.

It is another aspect of the invention to provide a defensive fluidcomposition delivery system that can be installed in walls and ceilings.

It is another aspect of the invention to provide a defensive fluidcomposition that is biodegradable, non-toxic, water soluble,non-corrosive, and non-explosive.

It is another aspect of the invention to provide a defensive fluidcomposition that does not sting the eyes.

It is another aspect of the invention to provide a defensive fluid thatcauses temporary stinging to the eyes.

In all aspects of the invention the defensive fluid is intended to havetemporary effect with no injury to the eyes.

These and other objects and advantages of the present invention areachieved in one preferred embodiment set forth below by providing alubric gel composition for personal defense which includes a fatty acidat a concentration ranging from 5 wt % to 10 wt % of the composition, athickening agent at a concentration ranging from 1.75 wt % to 8.75 wt %of the composition, a detergent at a concentration ranging from 1.03 wt% to 4.07 wt % of the composition, a surfactant at a concentrationranging from 2 wt % to 15 wt % of the composition, and water at aconcentration ranging from 66 wt % to 90.21 wt % of the composition.

According to another embedment of the invention, the lubric gelcomposition includes a preservative at a concentration ranging from 0.01wt % to 1.00 wt % of the composition.

According to another embodiment of the invention, preservative includessodium benzoate.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the fatty acidincludes glycerine.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the thickening agentincludes guar gum at a concentration ranging from 1 wt % to 5 wt % ofthe composition.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the thickening agentincludes methyl cellulose at a concentration ranging from 0.75 wt % to3.75 wt % of the composition.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the detergent includessodium lauryl sulfate at a concentration ranging from 1 wt % to 4 wt %of the composition.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the detergent includessodium dioctyl sulfosuccinate at a concentration ranging from 0.03 wt %to 0.07 wt % of the composition.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the surfactantincludes a non-ionic, anionic, and/or an amphoteric surfactant.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the surfactantincludes an amphoteric surfactant at a concentration ranging from 2 wt %to 40 wt % of the surfactant.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the amphotericsurfactant includes coco amino propionate.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the water is deionizedwater.

According to another embodiment of the invention, an additive isselected from the group essentially consisting of: a dye, a luminescent,and a phosphorescent.

According to another embodiment of the invention, a bag-on-valve spraycanister is adapted to contain and spray the composition.

According to another embodiment of the invention, a pressurizedcomposition delivery system is provided which includes a pressurizedreservoir containing the composition and having a fluid outlet throughwhich the composition can flow. A valve is connected to the fluid outletof the reservoir having a closed position preventing flow of compositionout of the reservoir and an open position enabling the composition toflow. A sprinkler head is adapted to receive and spray the compositionwhen the valve is open.

According to another embodiment of the invention, a lubric gelcomposition for personal defense is provided which includes glycerin ata concentration ranging from 5 wt % to 10 wt % of the composition. Guargum is included at a concentration ranging from 1 wt % to 5 wt % of thecomposition. Sodium benzoate is included at a concentration ranging from0.01 wt % to 1 wt % of the composition. Methyl cellulose is included ata concentration ranging from 0.75 wt % to 3.75 wt % of the composition.Sodium lauryl sulfate is included at a concentration ranging from 1 wt %to 4 wt % of the composition. Sodium dioctyl sulfosuccinate is includedat a concentration ranging from 0.03 wt % to 0.07 wt % of thecomposition. A surfactant is included which has a non-ionic surfactant,an anionic surfactant, and/or an amphoteric surfactant at aconcentration ranging from 2 wt % to 15 wt % of the composition.Deionized water is included at a concentration ranging from 66 wt % to90.21 wt % of the composition.

According to another embodiment of the invention, a lubric gelcomposition for personal defense, comprising, Propylene Glycol @ 0.1 wt% to 10 wt %, Citric acid @ 5 wt % to 20 wt %; Trihydroxyborane @ 0.1 wt% to 5 wt %; Pumicite @ 0.1% to 5 wt %; Sodium chloride @ 5 wt % to 20%wt; Cocoamide DEA @ 0.1 wt % to 5 wt %; and Phenoxyethanol @ 0.025 wt %to 1 wt %.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the lubric gelincludes Polyvinyl Alcohol 1.0-5%.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the lubric gelincludes Boric Acid at 0.125-1 wt %.

According to another embodiment of the invention, a pressurized lubricgel composition delivery system for personal defense is provided whichhas a pressurized reservoir containing the composition and having afluid outlet through which the composition can flow. A valve isconnected to the fluid outlet of the reservoir having a closed positionpreventing flow of composition out of the reservoir and an open positionenabling flow of composition out of the reservoir. A sprinkler head isadapted to receive and spray the composition when the valve is open.

According to another embodiment of the invention, a trigger ispositioned remote from the delivery system and connected to the valve bya wire or by wireless technology whereby activating the trigger opensthe valve.

According to another embodiment of the invention, a refilling system isprovided which has a fluid inlet on the reservoir through which thecomposition can flow. A valve is connected to the fluid inlet adapted toprevent the flow of composition out of the reservoir through the fluidinlet. A refilling fitting is connected to the valve and adapted toreceive composition for refilling the reservoir. A pressure gauge isconnected to the reservoir to monitor pressure within the reservoir.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the sprinkler head ispositioned on a wall or ceiling or a building.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention is best understood when the following detaileddescription of the invention is read with reference to the accompanyingdrawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a partial cutaway of a hand-held pressurized compositiondelivery system;

FIG. 2 is a schematic view of a pressurized composition delivery systeminstalled on a ceiling; and

FIG. 3 is a schematic view of a pressurized composition delivery systeminstalled on a wall.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

A lubric gel composition which can be applied to various surfaces forpersonal defense and a pressurized lubric gel composition deliverysystem is described. It is envisioned that the composition may besprayed onto a wide variety of surfaces such as concrete, tile, and woodor sprayed directly at an individual. When applied to surfaces such as awalking surface the composition creates a slick surface for the purposesof disabling or delaying an individual. A coating of the composition onan individual's hands increases difficulty of manipulating items such asweapons and doorknobs. The composition maintains a gel-like consistencywhen stored, sprayed, or coating a surface and does not foam in itsnatural state. This gel-like quality is important for maintaining thelubricity of the composition.

In addition to the primary purpose of increasing lubricity of a surface,the composition also has secondary features such as firesuppression/extinguishing and contact irritation of eyes/nose/mouth.Protective eyewear having a coat of the composition will smear whenwiped and reduce visibility. The composition is also environmentallyfriendly, non-toxic, non-corrosive, non-lethal, and easily washable offsurfaces.

Primary components of one preferred composition designed not to stingthe eyes include a fatty acid, a thickening agent, a detergent, asurfactant, and water. Optionally, a preservative may be included. Otheradditives are envisioned such as dyes, illuminates, and/orphosphorescents which leave a detectable signature on any individualswho came into contact with the defensive fluid. Each of the componentsmay include multiple substances, or one substance may function as two ofthe components. The water is preferably deionized water at aconcentration ranging from 66 wt % to 90.21 wt % of the overallsolution.

A pre-mix is prepared which contains the fatty acid and the thickeningagent. The fatty acid is preferably at a concentration ranging from 5 wt% to 10 wt % of the overall composition. The fatty acid coats thethickening agent to reduce clumping when exposed to water. The fattyacid also acts as a barrier film on hard surfaces and enhanceslubricity. In one embodiment of the invention, the fatty acid isglycerin.

The thickening agent serves to increase the film strength and enhancelubricity. The thickening agent is preferably at a concentration rangingfrom 1.95 wt % to 13.75 wt % of the overall composition. In oneembodiment of the invention guar gum, methyl cellulose, and polyethyleneoxide are included in the overall composition as thickening agents. Guargum is preferably at a concentration ranging from 1 wt % to 5 wt % ofthe overall composition and methyl cellulose is preferably at aconcentration ranging from 0.75 wt % to 3.75 wt % of the overallcomposition. Polyethylene oxide is preferably at a concentration rangingfrom 0.2 wt % to 10 wt % of the composition.

The detergent serves as a wetting agent to ensure the surface is wettedand can potentially enhance lubricity. The detergent is preferably at aconcentration ranging from 1.03 wt % to 4.07 wt % of the overallcomposition. In one embodiment of the invention the detergent includesof sodium lauryl sulfate and sodium dioctyl sulfosuccinate. Sodiumlauryl sulfate is preferably at a concentration ranging from 1 wt % to 4wt % of the overall composition and sodium dioctyl sulfosuccinate ispreferably at a concentration ranging from 0.03 wt % to 0.07 wt % of theoverall composition.

The surfactant serves to slow the rate of evaporation and provideenhanced lubricity. The surfactant is preferably at a concentrationranging from 2 wt % to 15 wt % of the overall concentration. In oneembodiment, the surfactant comprises a non-ionic surfactant, an anionicsurfactant, and an amphoteric surfactant. The amphoteric surfactant iscoco amino propionate and is preferably at a concentration ranging from2 wt % to 40 wt % of the surfactant.

A preservative may be added to the composition in order to increaselongevity or self-life of the composition. The preservative ispreferably at a concentration ranging from 0.01 wt % to 1.00 wt % of theoverall composition. In one embodiment the preservative is sodiumbenzoate.

In the above formulation, a make-up diluent such as water is used toarrive at a total of 100 percent.

In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, a lubric gelcomposition which can be applied to various surfaces for personaldefense and is intended to temporarily incapacitate an individual byimpairing vision and causing a temporary stinging or burning sensation,without causing injury. A pressurized lubric gel composition deliverysystem includes Propylene Glycol @ 0.1 wt % to 10 wt %; Citric acid (a0.1 wt % to 5 wt %; Trihydroxyborane @ 0.1 wt % to 5 wt %, Pumicite @0.1% to 5 wt % and Sodium chloride @ 0.1 wt % to 10% wt; Cocoamide DEA @0.1 wt % to 5 wt % and Phenoxyethanol @ 0.025 wt % to 1 wt.

In accordance with yet another embodiment of the invention, a lubric gelcomposition which can be applied to various surfaces for personaldefense and is intended to temporarily incapacitate an individual byimpairing vision and causing a temporary stinging or burning sensation,without causing injury. A pressurized lubric gel composition deliverysystem includes Propylene Glycol @ 0.1 wt % to 10 wt %; Citric acid @ 5wt % to 20 wt %; Trihydroxyborane @ 0.1 wt % to 5 wt %, Pumicite @ 0.1%to 5 wt % and Sodium chloride @ 5 wt % to 20% wt; Cocoamide DEA @ 0.1 wt% to 5 wt % and Phenoxyethanol @ 0.025 wt % to 1 wt.

In a further embodiment, the composition may also include PolyvinylAlcohol 1.0-5% and/or Boric Acid 0.125-1%.

These compositions causes temporary moderate to severe eye irritation,and reduces the ability for the eyes to open due to the irritation andgumminess of the solution.

Delivery of the composition may be accomplished by hand-held spraydevices of various sizes depending on the specific application. Smallcapacity devices, such as a four ounce device, can be carried by anindividual on a daily basis for self-defense. Larger capacity devices,for example eight to twenty ounce devices, can be stored in a mannersimilar to the storage of fire extinguishers in homes, classrooms,school and business entryways, commercial buildings, and other locationswhere people frequent. Other applications are envisioned such as bulkdelivery by vehicles such as tankers or airplanes.

Referring now to FIG. 1 , a pressurized hand-held composition deliverydevice 10 is shown. The hand-held device 10 utilizes ‘bag-on-valve’technology. A pressurized canister 12 contains a bag 14 which holds thecomposition. The hand-held device 10 is operated by engaging a trigger18 which cooperates with a valve 16 to spray the composition.

The hand-held device 10 is able to spray the composition in streams oftwenty feet or more with precision. Other applications where thecomposition would be applied, such as utility poles before/duringparades or riots may be performed with other spray devices havingvarying strength of spray, width of spray, and shape of spray dependingon the application. Other portable delivery systems are envisioned suchas conventional spray bottles.

FIGS. 2 and 3 show a pressurized composition delivery system 30 wherethe delivery system 30 is installed in a ceiling 50 or a wall 52respectively. This delivery system 30 has a pressurized reservoir 32containing the composition. A switch 40 is connected to a valve 44 suchas a solenoid valve which controls flow of the composition out of thereservoir 32 and into a sprinkler head 42. Wires travel from the switch40 to the valve 44 through a conduit 38. When the switch 40 isactivated, the valve 44 opens and allows the composition to flow intothe sprinkler head 42 and spray outward from the ceiling 50 or wall 52.

The composition, which is sprayed from a ceiling 50 or a wall 52, canserve multiple functions. The sprayed defensive fluid will coat thesurface of the floor, creating a slick/slippery floor. In an emergencysituation, a slippery floor can slow down and possibly deter anassailant, giving others more time to run and/or hide. The additionalfire extinguishing feature of the defensive fluid allows for the sprayto be used on tires. It is also envisioned that existing fire systemscan be retrofitted to accommodate the composition.

Pressure on the delivery system 30 is monitored by a pressure gauge 36connected to the reservoir 32. When the pressure is low, or after thedelivery system 30 has been emptied of the composition, the reservoir 32has a refill fitting 34 that can be used to refill the delivery system30. The refill fitting 34 may be similar to conventional air fittings. Aone-way check valve 35 is positioned between the refill fitting 34 andthe reservoir 32 to prevent backflow. In other embodiments the emptiedreservoir 32 can be replaced with a full reservoir 32 instead of beingrefilled.

This delivery system 30 may be installed in ceilings 50 in a similarmanner as fire sprinkler systems such that the switch 40 is located inan accessible location and only the sprinkler head 42 protrudes throughthe ceiling 50. Similarly, the delivery system 30 can be installed in awall 52 where the sprinkler head 42 protrudes from the wall 52.Sprinkler heads 42 can be angled for maximum effectiveness in eachapplication.

Other configurations are also envisioned where the delivery system 30has multiple sprinkler heads 42 per reservoir 32 or where a singleswitch 40 controls multiple valves 44 and reservoirs 32. Plumbing, suchas pipes, can be used to connect the reservoir 32 to the valve 44 andconnect the valve 44 to the sprinkler head 42.

Switches 40 can be simple buttons, switches similar to light switches,or pull stations similar to fire alarms. They can also be encased toprevent accidental activation. Since the switch 40 is connected bywires, it can be located anywhere that can be hard wired. The wires canbe in long conduits 38 or added to pre-existing building wiring. In lieuof hard wiring the valve 44 can be controlled by wireless technologywhen the switch 40 is activated.

A lubric gel composition and pressurized delivery system according tothe invention have been described with reference to specific embodimentsand examples. Various details of the invention may be changed withoutdeparting from the scope of the invention. Furthermore, the foregoingdescription of the preferred embodiments of the invention and best modefor practicing the invention are provided for the purpose ofillustration only and not for the purpose of limitation, the inventionbeing defined by the claims.

1. A gel composition for personal defense, comprising: (a) PropyleneGlycol ranging from 0.1 wt % to 10 wt % of the overall composition; (b)Citric acid ranging from 5 wt % to 20 wt %% of the overall composition;(c) Trihydroxyborane ranging from 0.1 wt % to 5 wt % of the overallcomposition; (d) Pumicite ranging from 0.1% to 5 wt % of the overallcomposition; (e) Sodium chloride ranging from 5 wt % to 20% wt % of theoverall composition; (f) Cocoamide DEA ranging from 0.1 wt % to 5 wt %%of the overall composition; (g) Phenoxyethanol ranging from 0.025 wt %to 1 wt %% of the overall composition; and (h) water.
 2. The gelcomposition of claim 1, further comprising Polyvinyl Alcohol rangingfrom 1.0 wt % to 5%% of the overall composition.
 3. The gel compositionof claim 1, further comprising Boric Acid ranging from 0.125 wt % to 1wt %% of the overall composition.
 4. The gel composition of claim 2,further comprising Boric Acid ranging from 0.125 wt % to 1 wt % of theoverall composition.
 5. The gel composition of claim 1, wherein waterranges from 34 wt % to 89.575 wt % of the overall composition.
 6. Thegel composition of claim 2, wherein water ranges from 34 wt % to 89.575wt % of the overall composition.
 7. The gel composition of claim 3,wherein water ranges from 34 wt % to 89.575 wt % of the overallcomposition.
 8. The gel composition of claim 4, wherein water rangesfrom 34 wt % to 89.575 wt % of the overall composition.
 9. The gelcomposition of claim 1, further comprising Polyvinyl Alcohol.
 10. Thegel composition of claim 1, further comprising Boric Acid.
 11. The gelcomposition of claim 9, further comprising Boric Acid.